Williams Blackstock Architects, is looking to the future with a newly designated leadership team that will ensure stability, growth, and the continued delivery of exceptional architectural design and service.
Joel Blackstock, Principal and cofounder, now assumes the role of Chief Executive Officer. Stephen Allen, Principal, succeeds Blackstock as President. Matt Foley, Principal, becomes Chief Operating Officer. Binx Newton and Bill Segrest, both Principals and mainstays at the firm, head an expanded team that also includes Brittany Foley, Principal, and Amanda Fowler, Principal and Chief Financial Officer.
This revitalized leadership team, building upon a deep well of experience that has been instrumental in the firm’s success, will oversee implementation of a strategic vision and ensure that Williams Blackstock Architects continues to deliver the outstanding quality of architectural design and services for which it has earned a solid reputation during nearly 30 years in business.
Joel Blackstock, CEO
Joel Blackstock has served as President since founding the firm, and he will assume the role of CEO and will focus on maintaining the high standards of design and attention to client relationships that have defined the firm and his career.
Stephen Allen, President
Stephen Allen has served as Principal and Vice-President at the firm, and he will assume the role of President. He has been a consistent leader behind the direction and vision of the company and will oversee the firm’s continued service, strategic growth and long-term success.
Matt Foley, COO
Matt Foley will assume the role of Chief Operating Officer. He will oversee the day-to-day operations and will focus on the firm’s client service and project delivery. He will enhance the firm’s platform for continued growth.
Amanda Fowler, Principal & CFO
Amanda Fowler is the Chief Financial Officer of the firm and has been promoted to Principal. She is responsible for guiding the financial success of the firm. She also will support the broad operations of the firm from a financial perspective including project financial management.
Brittany Foley, Principal
Brittany Foley has been promoted to Principal. Her expertise in historic preservation and adaptive reuse projects is recognized nationally in addition to leading design on a wide variety of projects in the office. She will focus on project design, client focus, and business development.
Bill Segrest, Principal
Bill Segrest is a Principal in the firm, responsible for multi-family, mixed use, and retail projects. He brings unparalleled passion to his craft. He excels in building valuable, lasting relationships with his clients by providing unique, thoughtful design solutions through his singular approach to each project.
Binx Newton, Principal
Binx Newton is a Principal in the firm, specializing in complex higher education, research, and healthcare projects. His attention to detail and meticulous analytical approach, along with his dedication to design and technical excellence, have delivered some of the firm’s most complex projects with dynamic results.
The firm has also named three new directors to cultivate strategic direction and thought leadership in growing sectors: Lauren Gwaltney, Director of Higher Education, Joanne Riddle, Director of Multi-Family Housing, and John Beason, Director of Interior Design. This transition marks the next phase of long-term strategic planning and vision which is to continue to deliver premiere architectural design and services to our clients.
Lauren Gwaltney, Director of Education
Lauren Gwaltney is promoted to Director of Education. She has a deep background and experience leading award-winning education projects for the firm. She will focus on the firm’s work in the educational sector, expanding the firm’s opportunities with her passion for client service and relationships.
Joanne Riddle, Director of Multi-Family Housing
Joanne Riddle is promoted to Director of Multi-Family Housing. She leads multidisciplinary teams on some of the firm’s most high-profile multi-family residential assignments. She works in close partnership with clients to meet their expectations and deliver successful results.
John Beason, Director of Interior Design
John Beason is promoted to Director of Interior Design. His extensive portfolio includes leading design across all sectors of the firm’s work with creative and innovative design solutions. His focus will be continuing the department growth and delivering high-quality, award-winning design projects.